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Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: A Cozy Delight
Ah, nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a steaming bowl of **Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup** on a chilly evening! This recipe is not just a go-to comfort food for me; it also brings back fond memories of family gatherings where the kitchen was filled with laughter and delicious aromas. I can still picture my mom stirring a pot of this hearty soup, the scent of savory ground beef and fresh garlic wafting through the air, making everyone’s stomach rumble in anticipation.
What I adore about this soup is its rich creaminess and the delightful blend of ingredients, making it both hearty and satisfying. It’s a perfect meal to whip up when you want something quick, filling, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to toss in any leftover veggies hanging out in your fridge. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!
What’s in Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
- 1 lb ground beef: I usually go for lean ground beef to cut down on the grease while ensuring a rich flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a nice sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: The star of the soup! They turn perfectly tender and creamy as they cook.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: A pop of color and a touch of sweetness!
- 3 cups beef broth: I love using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This gives the soup its deliciously creamy texture—so worth it!
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps in sautéing the veggies.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tsp salt: Season to taste. You might want to add a bit more depending on your broth.
- ½ tsp black pepper: For a touch of spice.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the dish and makes it look so pretty!
Is Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Good for You?
Let’s talk health! Overall, this soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that can fit into a balanced diet. The **potatoes** provide a good source of vitamins C and B6, while **carrots** are packed with beta-carotene, which your body transforms into vitamin A.
However, keep in mind that the **heavy cream** adds richness but can also up the calorie count. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you might swap it out for half-and-half or whole milk, though the creaminess will slightly differ. The **ground beef** adds protein but can also be higher in fat—consider using lean turkey or a plant-based ground meat if you want to cut down on saturated fat.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). If there’s too much fat, drain it away!
- Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, followed by the beef broth. Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Soup-er Tips and Variations!
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or some crunchy crackers—trust me, you won’t want to skip this!
- Feel free to add in other veggies like celery or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you make this ahead of time, it reheats beautifully! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it up on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy.
Whether it’s a fall weekend or just a regular weekday dinner, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try! There’s something so comforting about a homemade soup, and I bet it will become a cherished recipe in your house too. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so feel free to share your stories and tweaks. Happy cooking!
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